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All About Menstruation

Ever wonder what really happens during menstruation, when a girl enters puberty and has her period? Maybe you’ve wanted to talk to your mom or dad about it. But each time you said the word "menstruation," you stuttered, stammered, and could barely pronounce it.

It’s OK. Everyone is timid when talking about bodily functions, especially one as mysterious as the menstrual period. Perhaps this article can answer some of your questions about this normal time in every girl's life.

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What Is Menstruation?

Shortly after the beginning of puberty in girls, and usually after the development of breasts, menstruation starts. While menstruation usually begins between ages 12 and 13, it may happen at a younger or older age. The first menstrual period is called "menarche."

The menstrual cycle is about four weeks long, starting on the first day of bleeding and ending when the next period begins.

The menstrual discharge comes from the uterus through the vagina. The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ, responsible for maintaining and nourishing the embryo and fetus during a pregnancy. The vagina, or "birth canal," provides a path for menstrual fluids to leave the body.

During a period, there are usually 2-3 days of relatively heavy bleeding followed by 2-4 days of lighter flow. The fluid during a menstrual period is a mixture of uterine lining tissue and blood.

The total monthly menstrual loss varies from about 4 to 12 teaspoons.

What Does a Menstrual Period Feel Like?

A few days before and during your period, you might feel cramping and bloating in your abdomen. The cramps are caused by increased production of hormones. These hormones (called prostaglandins) cause the muscles of the uterus to contract.

Many teens who have cramps also notice aching in the upper thighs, along with lower back pain. Some also notice nausea, diarrhea, irritability, and fatigue, among other symptoms.

To ease cramping, try applying heat to your abdomen with a heating pad or hot water bottle. Taking a warm bath may also help. Some teens find that exercise helps relieve cramps. Exercise improves blood flow and produces endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.

Simple but effective non-prescriptionpain reliever medications can ease symptoms. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs include medicines like ibuprofen (such as Motrin and Advil) and naproxen (such as Aleve). These medications block the effects of prostaglandin hormones.

Discuss your symptoms with your primary health care practitioner, so you can find the best medications and dosage.

Talk to your primary health care provider or your gynecologist if:

your cramps are severe
your bleeding is excessive, lasts longer 7 days, occurs often, or at the wrong time of your cycle
if you have not had your first period by age 15
if it has been 3 months since your last period
you think you might be pregnant
you develop fever and feel sick after tampon use

Cramps are normally worst during the first two to three days of your period, then ease as prostaglandin levels in the body return to normal. If your cramps stay about the same throughout your period, or if over-the-counter painkillers don't really work, see a doctor.

Always ask your primary health care provider any questions you have about your period, making sure you clearly and completely describe any concerns.

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